Geography is the scientific study of place, spatial relationships and location patterns. Geographers study the character of places and the interaction among them, places like New York and New London, Maryland and Mongolia, Africa and Asia. Geographers also examine relationships across space: relationships between weather in eastern Africa and turbulence above the Atlantic Ocean, big business and small towns, the depth of mountainside snow and the growth of trees. Geographers study location patterns like patterns in the spread of AIDS, the expansion of Wal-Mart and the invasion of exotic species like the zebra mussel. Geography's broad nature that allows a student great flexibility to pursue his or her interests. To all of these areas geographers bring a common spatial, scientific perspective.

Geographers use a common set of tools, including maps and a new set of computerized tools. Remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and quantitative methods have increased the power of geographers to analyze vast amounts of digital information and have revolutionized the way many geographers do their work.

Skilled geographers are in high demand across a wide variety of fields like landuse planning, environmental management, industrial and business location, transportation, cartography and urban and regional planning. Our graduates have valuable skills and insights to offer employers, and they pursue exciting, important careers.

 

 

Department Chair: Dr. Kazimierz J. Zaniewski
Department Office: Halsey Science Center, Room 330C
Department Phone: (920) 424-4105